Matching and communication method and system

Abstract

A method for matching a customer and a Provider, comprises the steps of: a) generating a database containing data relevant to the Provider; b) updating said database so as to keep said data on the Provider up-to-date; c) when a call is received from a customer, identifying the requirements of the customer; d) identifying the nature of the request of the customer for a Provider; e) searching said database for a Provider who fits best the requirements of the customer; and f) when such best fit Provider is found, generating a voice and/or data communication between said customer and said provider.

1 . A method for matching a customer and a Provider, comprising the steps of: 
 a) generating a database containing data relevant to the Provider;    b) updating said database so as to keep said data on the Provider up-to-date;    c) when a call is received from a customer, identifying the requirements of the customer;    d) identifying the nature of the request of the customer for a Provider;    e) searching said database for a Provider who fits best the requirements of the customer; and    f) when such best fit provider is found, generating a voice and/or data communication between said customer and said provider.    
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the requirements of the customer include his geographic location.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the data relevant to the Provider kept in the data base are selected from among availability status, geographical location and scheduled jobs.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein the data relevant to the Provider kept in the data base comprise its location.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the data relevant to the Provider kept in the data base comprise status information.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 4 , wherein the status information comprises an indication of availability.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the updating of the database is initiated by the Providers.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the updating of the database is initiated by the database by polling the Providers.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to any one of  claims 1  to  7 , wherein the location of the customer is determined using location systems of the communication network from which the call of the customer is placed.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to any one of  claims 1  to  8 , wherein the communication network is a cellular phone network.  
     
     
         11 . A method according to any one of  claims 1  to  7 , wherein the customer uses a regular telephone line.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to any one of  claims 1  to  7  and  10 , wherein the Provider uses a regular telephone line.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to any one of  claims 1  to  11 , wherein the customer is in motion.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to any one of  claims 1  to  12 , wherein the Provider is in motion.  
     
     
         15 . A method according to any one of  claims 1  to  11  and  13 , wherein the customer is static.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to any one of  claims 1  to  12  and  14 , wherein the Provider is static.  
     
     
         17 . A method according to any one of  claims 1  to  15 , wherein the Provider is selected from among food providers, house services providers, personal services providers, delivery services, and information providers.  
     
     
         18 . A system for matching a customer and a Provider, comprising: 
 a) a database containing data relevant to the Provider;    b) communication lines and means for updating said database so as to keep said data on the Provider up-to-date;    c) location apparatus for identifying the geographical location of the customer calling the system;    d) personnel or apparatus for identifying the nature of the request of the customer for a Provider;    e) searching software for searching said database for a Provider who fits best the requirements of the customer; and    f) dialing and switching means for generating a voice communication between said customer and said provider.